Series: The Circle of Monsters Series by Sam Crescent
Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 41985 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 210(@200wpm)___ 168(@250wpm)___ 140(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 41985 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 210(@200wpm)___ 168(@250wpm)___ 140(@300wpm)
Kensington opened his jacket and pulled out one of his guns, checking the clip, then returning it into place. “You know you love us. It’ll be fun, just like old times.”
Galen returned to the control panel and reactivated the alarm system and turned on his perimeter guards. He wanted to know exactly when someone came near the house. If their enemies were on the way, they needed to be ready for anything at any time.
“Galen?”
He turned around to find Skye standing there near the wall. She was fully dressed, her long red hair out and gorgeously disheveled.
“I told you to stay in the room.”
“I was worried,” she said.
As soon as she saw Slash and Kensington, she clung to his side. The fact she sought him for protection and comfort gave him a high stronger than any drug. He instinctively wrapped an arm around her.
“Everything’s going to be okay. Think of them as extra security,” Galen said. “But for the rest of the day I need you to stay upstairs.”
She looked up at him, her eyes pleading. He knew she had a lot of questions, but she kept quiet. He led her to the staircase and privacy from Viko’s men.
“I’ll order food,” he said.
She pushed his chest. “I don’t care about food right now, Galen. What’s going on?”
He took a breath. “They’re Viko’s men. That’s a good thing, though.”
“Because that means he doesn’t want me dead?”
“Exactly.”
“And why are they here?” she asked.
“To help us. Viko’s interested in keeping you alive and, well, to piss off his enemy.”
She relaxed a bit, her stiff shoulders softening. “I guess that’s good.”
“Petrov sent assassins here. They tracked us. That was my fault, but they’re making a mistake coming here. I promise you that.”
She bit her lip.
“I don’t like this. Nothing can happen to you. Can’t those guys take care of it?”
He shook his head. “I told you I’d protect you. You have no idea what I’m capable of.” Galen kissed her forehead.
“You better not get hurt.” She started heading up the stairs but stopped for a moment, turning to face him. “Promise me.”
“I promise I’ll always come back to you.”
****
Skye wasn’t sure if any of this was a good or bad thing. At least Galen wouldn’t have to go head-to-head with his crazy boss. That gave her a measure of relief. But just thinking about something bad happening to him spiked her anxiety. She had no one else in the world. All her hopes for the future included Galen now. She’d fallen in love, not just because she’d been his captive. She fell in love with the man behind the shield, the one who was thoughtful and kind. The one who made her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.
She was restless, nervous, and her curiosity was too strong. She had free reign of the second floor so checked all the windows from different rooms. Maybe she’d find Galen’s enemies creeping toward the house, and she’d be able to warn him.
The sun was setting now, the sky a mix of pinks and oranges above the ocean. If she wasn’t so stressed, she would have enjoyed the beauty of it more. Right now, she just wanted Galen to get safely through the night.
The guys he was with looked capable enough. They had hardened, intense features and linebacker bodies like Galen’s. She wondered how many people they’d killed. Then she shook her thoughts away because she hated thinking about Galen’s profession. He was a killer, a hit man for hire, and she still loved him regardless.
She stared down at some bushes, wondering if she saw movement, but knowing it was just her overactive imagination. Then the window shattered. She screamed, falling back on her ass, glass shards covering the hardwood.
Within seconds, Galen was pulling her up, brushing the glass off her clothes. The two men from downstairs flanked the broken window, aiming down at the ground below. Shots rang out as one of them used an automatic rifle, spraying the backyard in lead.
Galen covered her head, leading them out of the room into the hall bathroom.
“Check the back door!” one of the men yelled out.
“Stay here,” Galen told her. “Don’t go near any windows.”
She nodded.
Her voice wouldn’t work. She was still in shock. The loud sound of cursing, banging, and gunfire was chaotic. Skye covered her ears and wished this was all a bad dream, wished she was somewhere safe with Galen.
“Let’s go!” Both men ran past the bathroom toward the staircase. It sounded like a small stampede as they rushed down to the main level. At least they’d be able to back up Galen.
He’d told her to stay away from the windows, not to stay in the bathroom. She needed to know what was happening. Had they killed whoever fired into the house? She leaned over the banister to try and see.